2020 CIAA TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
WINSTON-SALEM STATE vs FAYETTEVILLE STATE
In The News...
Ram Ramblings: Earl "The Pearl" Monroe cheering for WSSU men's team today from a hospital bed in New York City
By John Dell Winston-Salem Journal
CHARLOTTE – I could hear it in Earl “The Pearl” Monroe’s voice over the phone.
What I heard was his pride coming through in a big way as Winston-Salem State was gearing up to play in the CIAA championship game later today against Fayetteville State... CLICK HERE FOR MORE
WSSU's Cleo Hill Jr. is named CIAA coach of the year
It was a complete surprise to be named the CIAA Head Men's Basketball Coach of the Year. Although I believe our regular season was solid, there are so many great coaches in our conference. The Coach of the Year nominees includes multiple CIAA champions.
I've been awarded Coach of the Year honors on two other occasions. The CIAA COY in 2012 at Shaw University and The PSAC COY in 2008 at Cheyney University were both very special to me. But, by far, this one means the most to me for several reasons.
Number one, I coach at the greatest institution of higher learning in the country. Number two, in a way, I am sitting in the exact seat of my mentor and a legend, Clarence Big House Gaines. Number three, my father walked this very campus with a silk cape that said Mr. Basketball. And finally number four, last but not least, HERE is where my father met my mother. HERE is where they made their home and stayed together until he was called to be with the Lord.
I feel tremendous emotion with this honor. Emotions that I can never show in a public situation. So I wait to display them during my 40-minute commute. God has blessed me in so many ways. Some I can share and some I can never share. But, sending me two guys like Ricky Wilson and Lance Beckwith is a tremendous blessing. Those are my assistant head coaches. They are the hardest workers and most loyal guys in the business. This staff will prove to be the most legendary in history. They both take pride in their craft and profession. I have the best two assistant coaches at this level.
An award like this is never an individual honor. So many things come into play. I am blessed to have the support of our University. I have the best chancellor in the country. I went form George Knox, the best AD in the country, to Mrs. Etienne Thomas, another tremendous AD. In addition, our athletic department is so supportive and they are matched by the faculty and staff throughout the campus.
But, the ultimate support comes from my wife and kids. Their understanding of the long hours at the gym, days on the road and moods after tough losses. If I tried to explain how much you mean to me and how much I love you, I don't believe words were created that would give it justice. I am truly blessed.
Now let us address the elephant in the room. The world has witnessed our alumni and community support on social media. There is no mistaking that. But, the undermentioned power of our student body has not received their proper salute. I have witnessed some great atmospheres. I have coached for programs with great atmospheres. I have coached against programs with great atmospheres. I have coached against the University of North Carolina. I have coached against Duke University. They came correct with their Division One energy and atmosphere. BUT, no one comes close to what OUR STUDENTS, OUR BAND, OUR CHEERLEADERS, OUR DANCE TEAM, OUR DJ, OUR PA ANNOUNCER, and OUR GAMEDAY CREW have created! My staff and I will do our very best to bring the trophy back where it belongs. All of you have a hand in on this award. I thank you, I salute you. - Cleo Hill Jr
GIVING TO THE WINSTON-SALEM COMMUNITY
Winston-Salem State's Men's Basketball Program, The Salvation Army, and Ken Carlson Boys and Girls club joined together this holiday season to give back to children and families in need.
Over three-thousand requests were answered and organized through this event, along with granting the wishes of homes throughout Winston-Salem. It pleases the heart to answer the gift requests from books to luxury bikes and everything in between.
Happy Holidays, from the Winston-Salem State Men's Basketball Program.
COMMUNITY SERVICE
On Friday, October 4th, the WSSU Men's Basketball Team participated in a community service event at Ken Carlson Boys and Girls Club in Winston Salem, NC. Our student-athletes assisted in the organization of seating charts, intercom for call ups, and cleanup at the end. The event was called "Apple Tree". Between 9 AM and 1 PM, the men and women from the community came to register, give a donation, gifts, toys, or food to any child ages one through twelve. "I was impressed with the turnout as well as the organization and communication skills of my student-athletes. We wish to thank former Ram, Sylvia Adams and the Ken Carlson Boys & Girls Club for allowing us to participate in such an event." - Coach Cleo Hill Jr.
SUMMER WORKOUTS
Well, it's that time again! We started pre-season conditioning for the upcoming 2019-20 season. It's a follow up from our first team meeting, on Friday. The coaches had a chance to see who did what during the summer break. Just like I assumed, most of the guys had an offseason of relaxing with family, playing in summer leagues, individual workouts, and some attended summer classes. The first day was pretty solid. My coaches put together a pre-season conditioning plan that I liked. It consists of track work, swimming pool workouts, spin classes, Army boot camp, hill running, weight lifting, agility work, sand workouts, and sprint ladders. Day one was spent on the track with agility work and instructions from our assistant track staff member, Coach Wells. I was pleased with Day one, but it's all about the Journey! Improving every day! Welcome Back Rams!! - Coach Cleo Hill Jr.
